HOW hard a thyng it is, and what great impedimentes let, to entreprise
any worthie act, not only dailie experience sufficiently sheweth [moste
noble and verteous Quene] but also that notable prouerbe doeth confirme
the same, whiche admonisheth vs, that all things are hard whiche
are faire and excellent. And what entreprise can there be of greater importance,
and more acceptable vnto God, or more worthie of singuler
commendation, then the buildyng of the Lords (1 Cor. 3.17.) Temple, the (1 Tim. 3.14. [15.]) house
of God, the (Ephes. 1.22.) Churche of Christ, Whereof the (Ebr. 3.6.) Sonne of God is the
head and perfection?

HOW hard a thing it is, and what great impediments let [hinder], to enterprise
any worthy act, not only daily experience sufficiently sheweth (most
noble and virtuous Queen) but also that notable proverb doth confirm
the same, which admonisheth us, that all things are hard which
are fair and excellent. And what enterprise can there be of greater importance,
and more acceptable unto God, or more worthy of singular
commendation, than the building of the Lordís (1 Cor. 3.17.) Temple, the (1 Tim. 3.15.) house
of God, the (Ephes. 1.22.) Church of Christ, Whereof the (Heb. 3.6.) Son of God is the
head and perfection?

When Zerubbabel went about to builde the material Temple, accordyng to the commandement
of the Lord, what difficulties and stayes (Ezra 4.) daily arose to hinder his worthy indeuours,
the bookes of Ezza and Esdras playnely witnesse: how that not onely he and the people of
God were sore molested with (1 Esdr. 2.16.) forein aduersaries [whereof some maliciously (Ezra 4.7.) warred against
them, and corrupted the Kings officers: and others craftely practised vnder (Ezra 4.2.) pretence of religion]
but also at home with domesticall enemies, as (Nehem. 6.10.) false Prophetes, (Nehem. 6.18.) craftie worldlings,
faint-hearted soldiers, and (Nehem. 5.1.) oppressors of their brethren, who aswell by false doctrine and
lyes, as by subtil counsel, cowardies, and extortion, discouraged the heartes almoste of all: so
that the Lords worke was not only interrupted and left of for (Iohn 2.20.) a long tyme, but scarcely at the
length with great labour and danger after a (Ezra 3.12.) sort broght to passe.

When Zerubbabel went about to build the material Temple, according to the commandment
of the Lord, what difficulties and stays [impediments] (Ezra 4.) daily arose to hinder his worthy endeavours,
the books of Ezra and Esdras plainly witness: how that not only he and the people of
God were sore molested with (1 Esdr. 2.16.) foreign adversaries (whereof some maliciously (Ezra 4.7.) warred against
them, and corrupted the Kingís officers: and others craftily practised under (Ezra 4.2.) pretence of religion)
but also at home with domestical enemies, as (Nehem. 6.10.) false Prophets, (Nehem. 6.18.) crafty worldlings,
faint-hearted soldiers, and (Nehem. 5.1.) oppressors of their brethren, who as well by false doctrine and
lies, as by subtle counsel, cowardice, and extortion, discouraged the hearts almost of all: so
that the Lordís work was not only interrupted and left off for (John 2.20.) a long time, but scarcely at the
length with great labour and danger after a (Ezra 3.12.) sort brought to pass.

Whiche thing when we weighe a right, and consider earnestly how muche greater charge
God hath laid vpon you in makyng you a builder of his spirituall Temple, we can not but
partely feare, (2 Cor. 2.11.) knowing the crafte and force of Satan our spiritual enemie, and the weakenes
and vnabilitie of this our nature: and partely be feruent in our prayers toward God that he
wolde bryng to perfection this noble worke whiche he hathe begon by you: and therefore
we indeuour our selues by all meanes to ayde, and to bestowe our whole force vnder your
graces standard, whome God hath made as our Zerubbabell for the erectyng of this moste
excellent Temple, and to plant and maynteyn his holy worde to the aduancement of his glorie,
for your owne honour and saluation of your soule, and for the singuler comfort of that
great flocke which Christ Iesus the (Ebr. 13.20.) great shepherd hath boght with his (1 Pet. 1.19.) precious blood, and
committed vnto your charge to be fed both in body and soule.

Which thing when we weigh aright, and consider earnestly how much greater charge
God hath laid upon you in making you a builder of his spiritual Temple, we can not but
partly fear, (2 Cor. 2.11.) knowing the craft and force of Satan our spiritual enemy, and the weakness
and inability of this our nature: and partly be fervent in our prayers toward God that he
would bring to perfection this noble work which he hath begun by you: and therefore
we endeavour ourselves by all means to aid, and to bestow our whole force under your
graceís standard, whom God hath made as our Zerubbabel for the erecting of this most
excellent Temple, and to plant and maintain his holy word to the advancement of his glory,
for your own honour and salvation of your soul, and for the singular comfort of that
great flock which Christ Jesus the (Heb. 13.20.) great shepherd hath bought with his (1 Pet. 1.19.) precious blood, and
committed unto your charge to be fed both in body and soul.

The enemies which labour to stay religion.

The necessitie of gods worde for the reforming of religion.

The grounde of true religion.

Considering therefore how many enemies there are, which by one meanes or other, as
the (Ezra 4.1.) aduersaries of Iudah and Beniamin went about to stay the buildyng of that Temple, so
labour to hinder the course of this buildyng [whereof some are Papistes, who vnder pretence
of fauoring Gods worde, traiterously seke to erect idolatrie and to destroy your maiestie:
some are wordlings, who as (2 Tim. 4.10.) Demas haue forsaken Christ for the loue of this worlde: others
are ambicious prelats, who as (Amos 7.12.) Amasiah and (3. Iohn 9.) Diotrephes can abide none but them selues:
and as (Act. 19.24.) Demetrius many practise sedition to maynteyne their errors] we persuaded our selues
that there was no way so expedient and necessarie for the preseruation of the one, and destruction
of the other, as to present vnto your Maiestie the holy Scriptures faithfully and playnely
translated accordyng to the langages wherein they were first written by the holy Gost. For the
word of God is an euident token of Gods (Iohn 14.23.) loue and our assurance of his defence, wheresoeuer
it is obediently receyued: it is the tryall of the (1 Iohn 4.1.) spirits: and as the Prophet saieth, (Ierem. 23.29.) It is as
a fyre and hammer to breake the stonie heartes of them that resist Gods mercies offred by the
preachyng of the same. Yea it is (Ebr. 4.12.) sharper then any two edged sworde to examine the very
thoghtes and to iudge the affections of the heart, and to discouer whatsoeuer lyeth hid vnder
hypocrisie and wolde be secret from the face of God and his Churche. So that this must be the
first fundacion and ground worke, according whereunto the good stones of this building must
be framed, and the euill tried out and reiected.

Considering therefore how many enemies there are, which by one means or other, as
the (Ezra 4.1.) adversaries of Judah and Benjamin went about to stay [stop] the building of that Temple, so
labour to hinder the course of this building (whereof some are Papists, who under pretence
of favouring Godís word, traitorously seek to erect idolatry and to destroy your majesty:
some are worldlings, who as (2 Tim. 4.10.) Demas have forsaken Christ for the love of this world: others
are ambitious prelates, who as (Amos 7.12.) Amaziah and (3 John 9.) Diotrephes can abide none but themselves:
and as (Act. 19.24.) Demetrius many practice sedition to maintain their errors) we persuaded ourselves
that there was no way so expedient and necessary for the preservation of the one, and destruction
of the other, as to present unto your Majesty the holy Scriptures faithfully and plainly
translated according to the languages wherein they were first written by the holy Ghost. For the
word of God is an evident token of Godís (John 14.23.) love and our assurance of his defence, wheresoever
it is obediently received: it is the trial of the (1 John 4.1.) spirits: and as the Prophet saith, (Jerem. 23.29.) It is as
a fire and hammer to break the stony hearts of them that resist Godís mercies offered by the
preaching of the same. Yea it is (Heb. 4.12.) sharper than any two-edged sword to examine the very
thoughts and to judge the affections of the heart, and to discover whatsoever lieth hid under
hypocrisy and would be secret from the face of God and his Church. So that this must be the
first foundation and groundwork, according whereunto the good stones of this building must
be framed, and the evil tried out and rejected.

The enemies which labour to stay [stop] religion.

The necessity of Godís word for the reforming of religion.

The ground of true religion.

Al impediments must be taken away.

Iosias zeale and true obedience to God.

Now as he that goeth about to lay a fundacion surely, first taketh away such impedimentes
as might iustely ether hurt, let, or difforme the worke: so is it necessarie that your graces zeale
appeare herein, that nether the craftie persuasion of man, nether worldly policie, or naturall
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feare dissuade you to roote out, cut downe and destroy these wedes and impedimentes whiche
do not onely deface your building, but vtterly indeuour, yea and threaten the ruine thereof. For
when the noble (2 king. 23.15; 2 Chro. 34.5.) Iosias enterprised the like kinde of worke, among other notable and many
things he destroyed, not onely with vtter confusion the idoles with their appertináces, but also
burnt [in signe of detestation] the idolatrous priests bones vpon their altars, and put to (Deut. 13.5.) death
the false prophetes and sorcerers, to performe (Leui. 20.6; Deut. 18.11.) the wordes of the Lawe of God: and therfore
the Lord gaue him good successe and blessed him wonderfully, so long as he made (2 Chro. 35.22.) Gods
worde his line and rule to followe, and enterprised nothyng before he had inquired at the
mouth of the Lord.

Now as he that goeth about to lay a foundation surely, first taketh away such impediments
as might justly either hurt, let [hinder], or deform the work: so is it necessary that your graceís zeal
appear herein, that neither the crafty persuasion of man, neither worldly policy, or natural
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fear dissuade you to root out, cut down and destroy these weeds and impediments which
do not only deface your building, but utterly endeavour, yea and threaten the ruin thereof. For
when the noble (2 Kings 23.15; 2 Chro. 34.5.) Josiah enterprised the like kind of work, among other notable and many
things he destroyed, not only with utter confusion the idols with their appurtenances, but also
burnt (in sign of detestation) the idolatrous priestsí bones upon their altars, and put to (Deut. 13.5.) death
the false prophets and sorcerers, to perform (Levi. 20.6; Deut. 18.11.) the words of the Law of God: and therefore
the Lord gave him good success and blessed him wonderfully, so long as he made (2 Chro. 35.22.) Godís
word his line and rule to follow, and enterprised nothing before he had inquired at the
mouth of the Lord.

All impediments must be taken away.

Josiahís zeal and true obedience to God.

Wherein standeth the quietnes of kingdomes.

And if these zealous beginningseme dangerous and to brede disquietnes in your dominions,
yet by the storie of Kyng (2 Chro. 14.5; 15.5.) Asa it is manifest, that the quietnes and (2 Chro. 15.8.) peace of kingdomes
standeth in the vtter abolishing of idolatrie, and in aduancing of true religion: for in his dayes
Iudah lyued in rest and quietnes for the space of fyue and thirtie yere, till at length he began
to be colde in the zeale of the Lord, feared the power of man, imprisoned the Prophet of God,
and oppressed the people: then the Lord sent hym warres, and at length toke hym away by
death.

And if these zealous beginnings seem dangerous and to breed disquietness in your dominions,
yet by the history of King (2 Chro. 14.5; 15.5.) Asa it is manifest, that the quietness and (2 Chro. 15.8.) peace of kingdoms
standeth in the utter abolishing of idolatry, and in advancing of true religion: for in his days
Judah lived in rest and quietness for the space of five and thirty years, till at length he began
to be cold in the zeal of the Lord, feared the power of man, imprisoned the Prophet of God,
and oppressed the people: then the Lord sent him wars, and at length took him away by
death.

Wherein standeth the quietness of kingdoms.

What wisdome is requisite for the establishing of religion and the meanes to obteyne it.

Wherefore great wisdome, not worldelie, but heauenly is here required, whiche your
grace must earnestly craue of the Lord, as did (1 king. 3.9; 2 Chro. 1.10.) Salomon, to whome God gaue an vnderstandyng
heart to iudge his people a right, and to discerne betwene good and bad. For if God for
the furnishing of the olde temple gaue the Spirit of wisdome and vnderstanding to them that
shulde be the workemen thereof, as to (Exod. 31.1.[etc.]) Bezaleel, Aholiab, and (1 kyng. 7.[13,]14.) Hiram: how muche more will
he indewe your grace and other godly princes and chefe gouernours with a principall Spirit
that you may procure and commande things necessarie for this moste holy Temple, forese and
take hede of things that might hinder it, and abolish and destroy whatsoeuer might impare
and ouerthrowe the same?

Wherefore great wisdom, not worldly, but heavenly is here required, which your
grace must earnestly crave of the Lord, as did (1 Kings 3.9; 2 Chro. 1.10.) Solomon, to whom God gave an understanding
heart to judge his people aright, and to discern between good and bad. For if God for
the furnishing of the old temple gave the Spirit of wisdom and understanding to them that
should be the workmen thereof, as to (Exod. 31.1.[etc.]) Bezaleel, Aholiab, and (1 Kings 7.[13,]14.) Hiram: how much more will
he endue your grace and other godly princes and chief governours with a principal Spirit
that you may procure and command things necessary for this most holy Temple, foresee and
take heed of things that might hinder it, and abolish and destroy whatsoever might impair
and overthrow the same?

What wisdom is requisite for the establishing of religion and the means to obtain it.

Diligence & zeale are necessarie to builde it spedely.

A solemne othe for the mayntenance of Gods worde.

An act against thé that obeied not Gods worde.

What policie must be vsed for the plantyng of religion.

Gods worde must go before, or els builde in vaine.

We must first cósult with God.

Moreouer the maruelous diligence & zeale of Iehoshaphat, Iosiah, and Hezekiah are by the
singuler prouidence of God left as an example to al godly rulers to reforme their countreys and
to establish the worde of God with all spede, lest the (2 Chro. 34.21.) wrath of the Lord fall vpon them for the
neglecting thereof. For these excellent Kings did not onely imbrace the worde promptely and
ioyfully, but also procured earnestly and commanded the same to be taught, preached and
mainteyned through all their countreys and dominions, (2 Chro. 34.32.) byding them and all their subiects
bothe great and smale with solemne protestations and couenantes before GOD to obey the
worde, and to walke after the waies of the Lord. Yea and in the daies of Kyng (2 Chro. 15.13.) Asa it was enacted
that whosoeuer wolde not seke the Lord God of Israel, shulde be slayne, whether he were
smale or great, man or woman. And for the establishing hereof and performance of this solemne
othe, as wel (2 Chro. 17.7.[etc.]; and 19.5.[etc.]) Priests as Iudges were appointed and placed through all the cities of Iudah to
instruct the people in the true knollage and feare of God, and to minister iustice accordyng to
the worde, knowing that, except God by his worde dyd reigne in (Deut. 6.6. & 11.18.) the heartes and soules, all
mans diligence and indeuors were of none effect: for without this worde we can not discerne
betwene iustice, and iniurie, protection and oppression, wisdome and foolishnes, knollage and
ignorance, good and euill. Therefore the Lord, who is the chefe gouernour of his Churche
willeth that nothyng be attempted before we haue inquired thereof at his mouth. For seing
he is our God, of duetie we must giue him this preeminence, that of our selues we entreprise
nothing, but that whiche he hath appointed, who onely knoweth all things, and gouerneth
them as may best serue to his glorie and our saluation. We ought not therefore to preuent hym,
or do any thing without his worde, (Isa. 30.2.) but assone as he hath reueiled his will, immediately to
put it in execution.

Moreover the marvelous diligence & zeal of Jehoshaphat, Josiah, and Hezekiah are by the
singular providence of God left as an example to all godly rulers to reform their countries and
to establish the word of God with all speed, lest the (2 Chro. 34.21.) wrath of the Lord fall upon them for the
neglecting thereof. For these excellent Kings did not only embrace the word promptly and
joyfully, but also procured earnestly and commanded the same to be taught, preached and
maintained through all their countries and dominions, (2 Chro. 34.32.) bidding them and all their subjects
both great and small with solemn protestations and covenants before GOD to obey the
word, and to walk after the ways of the Lord. Yea and in the days of King (2 Chro. 15.13.) Asa it was enacted
that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel, should be slain, whether he were
small or great, man or woman. And for the establishing hereof and performance of this solemn
oath, as well (2 Chro. 17.7.[etc.]; and 19.5.[etc.]) Priests as Judges were appointed and placed through all the cities of Judah to
instruct the people in the true knowledge and fear of God, and to minister justice according to
the word, knowing that, except God by his word did reign in (Deut. 6.6. & 11.18.) the hearts and souls, all
manís diligence and endeavors were of none effect: for without this word we cannot discern
between justice and injury, protection and oppression, wisdom and foolishness, knowledge and
ignorance, good and evil. Therefore the Lord, who is the chief governour of his Church
willeth that nothing be attempted before we have inquired thereof at his mouth. For seeing
he is our God, of duty we must give him this preeminence, that of ourselves we enterprise
nothing, but that which he hath appointed, who only knoweth all things, and governeth
them as may best serve to his glory and our salvation. We ought not therefore to prevent him,
or do anything without his word, (Isa. 30.2.) but as soon as he hath revealed his will, immediately to
put it in execution.

Diligence & zeal are necessary to build it speedily.

A solemn oath for the maintenance of Godís word.

An act against them that obeyed not Godís word.

What policy must be used for the planting of religion.

Godís word must go before, or else build in vain.

We must first consult with God.

The maner of building is as God hath prescribed by his worde.

Of whome we must inquire concerning the will of the Lord and knollage of his worde.

VVhat is requisite in them that must giue counsel by Goddes worde.

Now as concernyng the maner of this building, it is not accordyng to man, nor after the
wisdome of the flesh, but of the Spirit, and according to the worde of God, whose (Isa. 55.8.) wais are
diuers from mans wais. For if it was not lawfull for Moses to builde the material Tabernacle
after any other sorte then God had shewed him by a (Exod. 25.4 [25.9,40.]; Act. 7.44; Ebr. 8.5.) patern, nether to prescribe any other (Deut. 5.32.)
ceremonies and lawes then suche as the Lord had expressly commanded: how can it be lawfull
to procede in this spiritual building any other waies, then Iesus Christ the Sonne of God, who
is bothe the fundacion, head and chief corner stone thereof, hathe commanded by his worde?
And forasmuche as he hath established and left an order in his Churche for the buildyng vp
of his body, (Ephes. 4.11.) appoictyng some to be Apostles, some Prophetes, others Euangelistes,
some pastors, and teachers, he signifieth that euery one accordyng as he is placed in this
body whiche is the Churche, ought to inquire of his ministres concernyng the will of the
Lord, whiche is reueiled in his worde. For they are, saieth (Iere. 15.19.) Ieremiah, as the mouth of
the Lord: yea he (Exod. 4.12; Mala. 2.7.) promiseth to be with their mouth, and that their lippes shall kepe knollage,
and that the trueth and the law shalbe in their mouth. For it is their office chefely to vnderstand
the Scriptures and teache them. For this cause the people of Israell in matters of difficultie
vsed to aske the Lord ether by the (Iudg. 1.1. & 20.[18]; 1 sam. 10.22; 1 Sam. 9.9; 2 Kyng. 22.13.) Prophets, or by the meanes of the hie (Exod. 28.30.) Priest,
who bare Vrim & Thummin, which were tokens of light and knollage, of holines & perfection
which shulde be in the hie Priest. Therfore when Iehoshaphat toke this order in the Churche
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of Israel, he appointed Amariah to be the chief concernyng the worde of God, because he was
moste expert in the Lawe of the Lorde, and colde gyue counsel and gouerne accordyng vnto the
same. Els there is no degre or office which may haue that autoritie and priuiledge to decise concerning
Gods worde, excepte withall he hath the Spirit of God, and sufficient knollage and iudgement
to define according thereunto. And as euery one is indued of God with greater giftes, so
ought he to be herein chefely heard, or at least that without the expresse worde none be heard:
for he that hathe not the worde, (Iere. 23.16.) speaketh not by the mouthe of the Lord. Agayne, what daunger
it is to do anythynge, seme it neuer so godly or necessarie, without consultyng with Goddes
mouth, the examples of the Israelites, (Iosh. 9.14.) deceiued hereby through the Gibeonites: and of (1 Sam. 13.11.) Saul,
whose intention semed good and necessarie: and of (2 Chro. 35.20.) Iosiah also, who for greate considerations
was moued for the defence of true Religion and his people, to fight agaynste Pharaoh Necho
Kyng of Egypt, may sufficiently admonish vs.

Now as concerning the manner of this building, it is not according to man, nor after the
wisdom of the flesh, but of the Spirit, and according to the word of God, whose (Isa. 55.8.) ways are
divers from manís ways. For if it was not lawful for Moses to build the material Tabernacle
after any other sort than God had shewed him by a (Exod. 25.9,40; Act. 7.44; Heb. 8.5.) pattern, neither to prescribe any other (Deut. 5.32.)
ceremonies and laws than such as the Lord had expressly commanded: how can it be lawful
to proceed in this spiritual building any other ways, than Jesus Christ the Son of God, who
is both the foundation, head and chief corner stone thereof, hath commanded by his word?
And forasmuch as he hath established and left an order in his Church for the building up
of his body, (Ephes. 4.11.) appointing some to be Apostles, some Prophets, others Evangelists,
some pastors, and teachers, he signifieth that every one according as he is placed in this
body which is the Church, ought to inquire of his ministers concerning the will of the
Lord, which is revealed in his word. For they are, saith (Jer. 15.19.) Jeremiah, as the mouth of
the Lord: yea he (Exod. 4.12; Mal. 2.7.) promiseth to be with their mouth, and that their lips shall keep knowledge,
and that the truth and the law shall be in their mouth. For it is their office chiefly to understand
the Scriptures and teach them. For this cause the people of Israel in matters of difficulty
used to ask the Lord either by the (Judg. 1.1. & 20.18; 1 Sam. 10.22; 1 Sam. 9.9; 2 Kings 22.13.) Prophets, or by the means of the high (Exod. 28.30.) Priest,
who bare Urim & Thummim, which were tokens of light and knowledge, of holiness & perfection
which should be in the high Priest. Therefore when Jehoshaphat took this order in the Church
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of Israel, he appointed Amariah to be the chief concerning the word of God, because he was
most expert in the Law of the Lord, and could give counsel and govern according unto the
same. Else there is no degree or office which may have that authority and privilege to decise [determine] concerning
Godís word, except withall he hath the Spirit of God, and sufficient knowledge and judgment
to define according thereunto. And as every one is endued of God with greater gifts, so
ought he to be herein chiefly heard, or at least that without the express word none be heard:
for he that hath not the word, (Jer. 23.16.) speaketh not by the mouth of the Lord. Again, what danger
it is to do anything, seem it never so godly or necessary, without consulting with Godís
mouth, the examples of the Israelites, (Josh. 9.14.) deceived hereby through the Gibeonites: and of (1 Sam. 13.11.) Saul,
whose intention seemed good and necessary: and of (2 Chro. 35.20.) Josiah also, who for great considerations
was moved for the defence of true Religion and his people, to fight against Pharaoh Necho
King of Egypt, may sufficiently admonish us.

The manner of building is as God hath prescribed by his word.

Of whom we must inquire concerning the will of the Lord and knowledge of his word.

What is requisite in them that must give counsel by Godís word.

The settyng vp of the buylding.

Laste of all [moste gracious Quene] for the aduancement of this buyldyng and rearyng vp of
the worke, two things are necessarie, First, that we haue a lyuely and stedfast faith in Christ Iesus,
who must (Ephes. 3.17.) dwel in our heartes, as the only meanes and assurance of our saluation: for he is the (Gene. 28.12.)
ladder that reacheth from the earth to heauen: he lifteth vp his Churche and setteth it in the heauenly
places: he maketh vs (1 Pet. 2.5.) lyuely stones and buildeth vs vpon himselfe: he ioyneth vs to hym
selfe as the membres and body to the head: yea he maketh himselfe ád his Church one (2 [1] Cor. 12.12.) Christ.
The next is, that our faith bring forthe good fruites, so that our godly conuersation may serue
vs as a witnes to (2 Peter 1.10.) confirme our election and by an example to all others to (Ephes. 4.1.) walke as apperteyneth
to the vocation whereunto they are called: leste the worde of God be (Rom. 2.12. [2.24; 2 Pet. 2.2.]) euill
spoken of, and this buyldyng be stayed to growe vp to a iuste heyght, whiche can
not be without the greate prouocation of Gods iuste vengeance and discouragyng of
many thousandes through all the worlde, if they shulde se that our life were not holy and ageable
to our profession. For the eyes of all that feare God in al places beholde your countreyes as
an (2 [1] Thess. 1.7.) example to all that beleue, and the prayers of all the godly at all tymes are directed to God
for the preseruation of your maiestie. For consideryng Gods wonderfull mercies towarde you
at all seasons, who hath pulled you out of the mouth of the lyons, and howe that frome your (2 Tim. 3.15.)
youth you haue bene broght vp in the holy Scriptures, the hope of all men is so increased, that
they can not but looke that God shulde bryng to passe some wonderful worke by your grace to
the vniuersall comforte of hys Churche. Therefore euen aboue strength you muste shewe your
selfe strong and bolde in Gods matters: and thogh Satan lay all his power and crafte together to
hurt and hinder the Lordes building: yet be you assured that God will fight from heauen againste
this great (Reuel. 12.9.) dragon, the ancient serpent, whiche is called the deuill and Satan, till he haue accomplished
the whole worke and made his Churche (Ephes. 4.27. [5.27.]) glorious to hymselfe, without spot or wrincle.
For albeit all other kingdomes and monarchies, as the Babylonians, Persians, Grecians and
Romaines haue fallen and taken end: yet the Churche of Christe euen vnder the Cross hathe
from the begynning of the worlde bene victorious, and shalbe euerlastyngly, Trueth it is, that
sometyme it semeth to be shadowed with a cloude, or driuen with a stormie persecution, yet
suddenly the beames of Christ the sunne of iustice shine and bryng it to light and libertie.
If for a tyme it lye couered with ashes, yet it is quickely kindeled agayne by the wynde
of Gods Spirit: thogh it seme drowned in the sea, or parched and pyned in the wildernes,
yet GOD giueth euer good successe, for he punysheth enemyes, and deliuereth
hys, nourisheth thé and still preserueth them vnder hys wyngs. This Lord of
Lordes and King of kings who hath euer defended his, strengthen, comfort
and preserue your maiestie, that you maye be able to builde vp the ruines
of Gods house to hys glorie, the discharge of your conscience,
and to the comfort of all them that loue the commyng of Christ
Iesus our Lord.

From Geneua.

10. April. 1561.

Last of all (most gracious Queen) for the advancement of this building and rearing up of
the work, two things are necessary, First, that we have a lively and steadfast faith in Christ Jesus,
who must (Ephes. 3.17.) dwell in our hearts, as the only means and assurance of our salvation: for he is the (Gene. 28.12.)
ladder that reacheth from the earth to heaven: he lifteth up his Church and setteth it in the heavenly
places: he maketh us (1 Pet. 2.5.) lively stones and buildeth us upon himself: he joineth us to himself
as the members and body to the head: yea he maketh himself and his Church one (1 Cor. 12.12.) Christ.
The next is, that our faith bring forth good fruits, so that our godly conversation may serve
us as a witness to (2 Peter 1.10.) confirm our election and by an example to all others to (Ephes. 4.1.) walk as appertaineth
to the vocation whereunto they are called: lest the word of God be (Rom. 2.12. [2.24; 2 Pet. 2.2.]) evil
spoken of, and this building be stayed [hindered] to grow up to a just height, which can
not be without the great provocation of Godís just vengeance and discouraging of
many thousands through all the world, if they should see that our life were not holy and agreeable
to our profession. For the eyes of all that fear God in all places behold your countries as
an (1 Thess. 1.7.) example to all that believe, and the prayers of all the godly at all times are directed to God
for the preservation of your majesty. For considering Godís wonderful mercies toward you
at all seasons, who hath pulled you out of the mouth of the lions, and how that from your (2 Tim. 3.15.)
youth you have been brought up in the holy Scriptures, the hope of all men is so increased, that
they cannot but look that God should bring to pass some wonderful work by your grace to
the universal comfort of his Church. Therefore even above strength you must shew yourself
strong and bold in Godís matters: and though Satan lay all his power and craft together to
hurt and hinder the Lordís building: yet be you assured that God will fight from heaven against
this great (Rev. 12.9.) dragon, the ancient serpent, which is called the devil and Satan, till he have accomplished
the whole work and made his Church (Eph. 5.27.) glorious to himself, without spot or wrinkle.
For albeit all other kingdoms and monarchies, as the Babylonians, Persians, Grecians and
Romans have fallen and taken end: yet the Church of Christ even under the Cross hath
from the beginning of the world been victorious, and shall be everlastingly. Truth it is, that
sometime it seemeth to be shadowed with a cloud, or driven with a stormy persecution, yet
suddenly the beams of Christ the sun of justice shine and bring it to light and liberty.
If for a time it lie covered with ashes, yet it is quickly kindled again by the wind
of Godís Spirit: though it seem drowned in the sea, or parched and pined in the wilderness,
yet GOD giveth ever good success, for he punisheth enemies, and delivereth
his, nourisheth them and still preserveth them under his wings. This Lord of
Lords and King of kings who hath ever defended his, strengthen, comfort
and preserve your majesty, that you may be able to build up the ruins
of Godís house to his glory, the discharge of your conscience,
and to the comfort of all them that love the coming of Christ
Jesus our Lord.

From Geneva.

10. April. 1561.

The setting up of the building.

* *

*

* *

*

TO OVR BELOVED IN THE

LORD THE BRETHREN OF ENGLAND,

Scotland, Ireland, &c. Grace, mercie and peace,

through Christ Iesus.

TO OUR BELOVED IN THE

LORD THE BRETHREN OF ENGLAND,

Scotland, Ireland, &c. Grace, mercy and peace,

through Christ Jesus.

* *

*

* *

*

BESIDES the manifolde and continuall benefites which almyghtie God bestoweth
vpon vs, bothe corporall and spirituall, we are especially bounde
[dear brethren] to giue him thankes without ceasing for hys great grace
and vnspeakable mercies, in that it hathe pleased hym to call vs vnto this
mervelous lyght of his Gospel, and mercifully to regarde vs after so horrible
backesliding and falling away from CHRIST to ANTICHRIST,
from lyght to darcknes, from the liuing God to dumme and dead idoles,
and that after so cruell murther of Gods Saintes, as alas, hathe bene among
vs, we are not altogether cast of, as were the Israelites, and many others
for the like, or not so manifest wickednes, but receiued againe to grace
with moste euident signes and tokens of Gods especial loue and fauour. To the intent therefore
that we may not be vnmyndefull of these greate mercies, but seke by all meanes [accordyng
to our duetie] to be thankefull for the same, it behoueth vs so to walke in his feare and loue, that
all the dayes of our life we maye procure the glorie of his holy name. Now forasmuche as thys
thing chefely is atteyned by the knollage and practising of the worde of God [which is the light
to our paths, the keye of the kyngdome of heauen, our comforte in affliction, our shielde and
sworde against Satan, the schoole of all wisdome, the glasse wherein we beholde Gods face, the
testimonie of his fauour, and the only foode and nourishement of our soules] we thoght that we
colde bestowe our labours and studie in nothyng whiche colde be more acceptable to God and
comfortable to his Church then in the translating of the holy Scriptures into our natiue tongue:
the which thing, albeit that diuers heretofore haue indeuored to atchieue: yet consideryng the
infancie of those tymes and imperfect knollage of the tongues, in respect of thys rype age and
cleare light whiche God hath now reueiled, the translations required greatly to be perused and
reformed. Not that we vendicat any thing to our selues aboue the least of our brethren [for God
knoweth wyth what feare & tremblyng we haue bene nowe, for the space of two yeres & more
daye and nyght occupied herein] but beyng earnestly desired, and by diuers, whose learnyng and
godlines we reuerence, exhorted, and also incouraged by the ready willes of suche, whose heartes
God lykewise touched, not to spare any charges for the fortherance of such a benefite and
fauour of God towarde his Churche [thogh the tyme then was moste dangerous and the persecution
sharpe and furious] we submitted our selues at length to their godly iudgementes, and
seing the great oportunitie and occasions, whiche God presented vnto vs in this Church, by reason
of so many godly and learned men: and suche diuersities of translations in diuers tongues, we
vndertoke this great and wonderful worke [with all reuerence, as in the presence of God, as intreating
the worde of God, whereunto we thinke ourselues vnsufficient] whiche nowe God according
to his diuine prouidence and mercie hath directed to a moste prosperous end. And this
we may with good conscience protest, that we haue in euery point and worde, accordyng to the
measure of that knollage whiche it pleased almightie God to giue vs, faithfully rendred the text,
and in all hard places most syncerely expounded the same. For God is our witnes that we haue
by al meanes indeuored to set forthe the puritie of the worde and right sense of the holy Gost for
the edifying of the brethren in faith and charitie.

BESIDES the manifold and continual benefits which almighty God bestoweth
upon us, both corporal and spiritual, we are especially bound
(dear brethren) to give him thanks without ceasing for his great grace
and unspeakable mercies, in that it hath pleased him to call us unto this
marvelous light of his Gospel, and mercifully to regard us after so horrible
backsliding and falling away from CHRIST to ANTICHRIST,
from light to darkness, from the living God to dumb and dead idols,
and that after so cruel murder of Godís Saints, as alas, hath been among
us, we are not altogether cast off, as were the Israelites, and many others
for the like, or not so manifest wickedness, but received again to grace
with most evident signs and tokens of Godís especial love and favour. To the intent therefore
that we may not be unmindful of these great mercies, but seek by all means (according
to our duty) to be thankful for the same, it behoveth us so to walk in his fear and love, that
all the days of our life we may procure the glory of his holy name. Now forasmuch as this
thing chiefly is attained by the knowledge and practicing of the word of God (which is the light
to our paths, the key of the kingdom of heaven, our comfort in affliction, our shield and
sword against Satan, the school of all wisdom, the glass wherein we behold Godís face, the
testimony of his favour, and the only food and nourishment of our souls) we thought that we
could bestow our labours and study in nothing which could be more acceptable to God and
comfortable to his Church than in the translating of the holy Scriptures into our native tongue:
the which thing, albeit that divers heretofore have endeavored to achieve: yet considering the
infancy of those times and imperfect knowledge of the tongues, in respect of this ripe age and
clear light which God hath now revealed, the translations required greatly to be perused and
reformed. Not that we vindicat [claim, take] anything to ourselves above the least of our brethren (for God
knoweth with what fear & trembling we have been now, for the space of two years & more
day and night occupied herein) but being earnestly desired, and by divers, whose learning and
godliness we reverence, exhorted, and also encouraged by the ready wills of such, whose hearts
God likewise touched, not to spare any charges for the furtherance of such a benefit and
favour of God toward his Church (though the time then was most dangerous and the persecution
sharp and furious) we submitted ourselves at length to their godly judgments, and
seeing the great opportunity and occasions, which God presented unto us in this Church, by reason
of so many godly and learned men: and such diversities of translations in divers tongues, we
undertook this great and wonderful work (with all reverence, as in the presence of God, as entreating
the word of God, whereunto we think ourselves insufficient) which now God according
to his divine providence and mercy hath directed to a most prosperous end. And this
we may with good conscience protest, that we have in every point and word, according to the
measure of that knowledge which it pleased almighty God to give us, faithfully rendered the text,
and in all hard places most sincerely expounded the same. For God is our witness that we have
by all means endeavored to set forth the purity of the word and right sense of the holy Ghost for
the edifying of the brethren in faith and charity.

Now as we haue chiefely obserued the sense, and laboured alwayes to restore it to all integritie:
so haue we most reuerently kept the proprietie of the wordes, considering that the Apostles
who spake and wrote to the Gentiles in the Greke tongue, rather constrayned them to the liuely
phrase of the Ebrewe, then entreprised farre by mollifying their langage to speake as the Gentiles
did. And for this and other causes we haue in many places reserued the Ebrewe phrases, notwithstanding
that they may seme somewhat hard in their eares that are not wel practised and also
delite in the swete sounding phrases of the holy Scriptures. Yet lest ether the simple shulde be
discouraged, or the malicious haue any occasion of iust cauillation, seing some translations read
after one sort, and some after another, whereas all may serue to good purpose and edification, we
haue in the margent noted that diuersitie of speache or readyng whiche may also seme agreable
to the mynde of the holy Gost and propre for our langage with this marke ĎĎ.

Now as we have chiefly observed the sense, and laboured always to restore it to all integrity:
so have we most reverently kept the propriety of the words, considering that the Apostles
who spake and wrote to the Gentiles in the Greek tongue, rather constrained them to the lively
phrase of the Hebrew, than enterprised far by mollifying their language to speak as the Gentiles
did. And for this and other causes we have in many places reserved the Hebrew phrases, notwithstanding
that they may seem somewhat hard in their ears that are not well practised and also
delight in the sweet sounding phrases of the holy Scriptures. Yet lest either the simple should be
discouraged, or the malicious have any occasion of just cavillation, seeing some translations read
after one sort, and some after another, whereas all may serve to good purpose and edification, we
have in the margin noted that diversity of speech or reading which may also seem agreeable
to the mind of the holy Ghost and proper for our language with this mark ĎĎ.

Againe where as the Ebrewe speache semed hardly to agre with ours, we haue noted it in the
margent after thys sorte íí, vsing that whiche was more intelligible. And albeit that many of the
Ebrewe names be altered from the olde texte, and restored to the true writing and first original,
whereof they haue their signification, yet in the vsual names litle is changed for feare of troublyng
the simple readers. Moreouer whereas the necessitie of the sentence required any thyng
to be added [for suche is the grace and proprietie of the Ebrewe and Greke tongues, that it can
{}
not but ether by circumlocution, or by adding the verbe or some worde be vnderstand of them
that are not wel practised therein] we haue put in the text with another kynde of lettre [italics], that it
may easely be discerned from the common lettre. As touching the diuision of the verses, we haue
followed the Ebrewe examples, whiche haue so euen from the beginnyng distinct thé. Which
thing as it is moste profitable for memorie: so doeth it agre with the best translations, & is moste
easie to find out both by the best Concordances, and also by the cotations which we haue diligently
herein perused and set forth by this starre*. Besides this the principal matters are noted
and distincted by this marke.∂ Yea and the arguments both for the booke and for the chapters
with the nombre of the verse are added, that by all meanes the reader might be holpen. For the
which cause also we haue set ouer the head of euery page some notable worde or sentence whiche
may greatly further as wel for memorie, as for the chief point of the page And considering
how hard a thing it is to vnderstand the holy Scriptures, ád what errors, sectes & heresies growe
dailie for lacke of the true knollage thereof, and how many are discouraged [as they pretend]
because they can not atteine to the true ád simple meaning of the same, we haue also indeuored
bothe by the diligent reading of the best commentaries, and also by the conference with the
godly and learned brethren, to gather brief annotations vpon all the hard places, as wel for the
vnderstanding of suche wordes as are obscure, and for the declaration of the text, as for the application
of the same as may moste apperteine to Gods glorie and the edification of his Church.
Forthermore whereas certeyne places in the bookes of Moses, of the Kings and Ezekiell semed
so darke that by no description they colde be made easie to the simple reader, we haue so set
them forthe with figures and notes for the ful declaration thereof, that they whiche can not by
iudgement, being holpen by the annotations noted by the lettres a b c, &c. atteyn thereunto,
yet by the perspectiue, and as it were by the eye may sufficiently knowe the true meaning of all
suche places. Whereunto also we haue added certeyne mappes of Cosmographie which necessarely
serue for the perfect vnderstanding and memorie of diuers places and countreys, partely
described, and partely by occasion touched, bothe in the olde and newe Testament. Finally that
nothing might lacke which might be boght by labors, for the increase of knowlage and fortherance
of Gods glorie, we haue adioyned two moste profitable tables, the one seruing for the interpretation
of the Ebrewe names: and the other conteyning all the chefe and principal matters
of the whole Bible: so that nothing [as we trust] that any colde iustely desire, is omitted. Therefore,
as brethré that are partakers of the same hope and saluatió with vs, we beseche you, that this
riche perle and inestimable treasure may not be offred in vayne but as sent from God to
the people of God, for the increase of his kingdome, the comfort of his Churche, and
discharge of our conscience, whome it hath pleased him to raise vp for this purpose,
so you wolde willingly receyue the worde of God, earnestly studie it and in all
your life practise it, that you may now appeare in dede to be the people of
God, not walking any more according to this worlde, but in the frutes
of the Spirit, that God in vs may be fully glorified through
Christ Iesus our Lord, who lyueth and reigneth for
euer. Amen.

From Geneua.

10. April. 1561.

Again whereas the Hebrew speech seemed hardly to agree with ours, we have noted it in the
margin after this sort íí, using that which was more intelligible. And albeit that many of the
Hebrew names be altered from the old text, and restored to the true writing and first original,
whereof they have their signification, yet in the usual names little is changed for fear of troubling
the simple readers. Moreover whereas the necessity of the sentence required anything
to be added (for such is the grace and propriety of the Hebrew and Greek tongues, that it can
{}
not but either by circumlocution, or by adding the verb or some word be understood of them
that are not well practised therein) we have put in the text with another kind of letter [italics], that it
may easily be discerned from the common letter. As touching the division of the verses, we have
followed the Hebrew examples, which have so even from the beginning distinguished them. Which
thing as it is most profitable for memory: so doth it agree with the best translations, & is most
easy to find out both by the best Concordances, and also by the quotations which we have diligently
herein perused and set forth by this star*. Besides this the principal matters are noted
and distinguished by this mark.∂ Yea and the arguments both for the book and for the chapters
with the number of the verse are added, that by all means the reader might be holpen. For the
which cause also we have set over the head of every page some notable word or sentence which
may greatly further as well for memory, as for the chief point of the page. And considering
how hard a thing it is to understand the holy Scriptures, and what errors, sects & heresies grow
daily for lack of the true knowledge thereof, and how many are discouraged (as they pretend)
because they can not attain to the true and simple meaning of the same, we have also endeavored
both by the diligent reading of the best commentaries, and also by the conference with the
godly and learned brethren, to gather brief annotations upon all the hard places, as well for the
understanding of such words as are obscure, and for the declaration of the text, as for the application
of the same as may most appertain to Godís glory and the edification of his Church.
Furthermore whereas certain places in the books of Moses, of the Kings, and Ezekiel, seemed
so dark that by no description they could be made easy to the simple reader, we have so set
them forth with figures and notes for the full declaration thereof, that they which can not by
judgment, being holpen by the annotations noted by the letters a b c, &c. attain thereunto,
yet by the perspective, and as it were by the eye, may sufficiently know the true meaning of all
such places. Whereunto also we have added certain maps of Cosmography which necessarily
serve for the perfect understanding and memory of divers places and countries, partly
described, and partly by occasion touched, both in the old and new Testament. Finally that
nothing might lack which might be bought by labours, for the increase of knowledge and furtherance
of Gods glory, we have adjoined two most profitable tables, the one serving for the interpretation
of the Hebrew names: and the other containing all the chief and principal matters
of the whole Bible: so that nothing (as we trust) that any could justly desire, is omitted. Therefore,
as brethren that are partakers of the same hope and salvation with us, we beseech you, that this
rich pearl and inestimable treasure may not be offered in vain but as sent from God to
the people of God, for the increase of his kingdom, the comfort of his Church, and
discharge of our conscience, whom it hath pleased him to raise up for this purpose,
so you would willingly receive the word of God, earnestly study it and in all
your life practice it, that you may now appear indeed to be the people of
God, not walking any more according to this world, but in the fruits
of the Spirit, that God in us may be fully glorified through
Christ Jesus our Lord, who liveth and reigneth for
ever. Amen.